The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 421

“……”

A heavy silence descended. Everyone was speechless at Beom Gye-wi’s bold declaration of war against the Five Great Masters.

Cho Ak-ryang sighed.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Why? Regretting it already?”

“You imbecile!” Cho Ak-ryang was genuinely dumbfounded. “If you lack sense, at least have some tact! What do you think you’re doing, starting a fight amongst ourselves right before the decisive battle!”

Regardless of the outcome, it would hurt morale and dampen their spirits.

“You started it. Now you want to back out? Hmph! No way.” Beom Gye-wi showed no signs of backing down.

Just then,

“Chief.” Sa Mu-sim urgently called to Dan Ak-seon, who had been waiting to dissuade Beom Gye-wi. Dan Ak-seon turned his gaze towards the sky that Sa Mu-sim was pointing at.

A carrier pigeon circled above. Sa Mu-sim took out a small whistle and put it to his lips. The pigeon responded, descending sharply to land on Sa Mu-sim’s outstretched arm.

Sa Mu-sim unfolded the letter tied to the hawk’s leg, checked it, and whispered something to Dan Ak-seon. Dan Ak-seon nodded and soared away.

Han Seol-hwa, who had been watching, followed. As she passed Cho Ak-ryang and Beom Gye-wi, she couldn’t help but say, “Don’t be so foolish.”

* * *

How far had they flown using their lightness skill [Qinggong]? Dan Ak-seon, arriving at the location in the letter, slowed down upon spotting the Palace Lord of Ewha Palace waiting in the distance.

“You asked to see me.”

Yeon Ok-sang slowly nodded. Perhaps because they had met several times, now somewhat accustomed to each other, she spoke without hesitation. “The Demonic Sect has mobilized the Mansoo Clan and the Soreum Temple.”

Dan Ak-seon sighed softly. He had anticipated this to some extent. Having joined the conflict, the Demonic Sect wouldn’t readily relinquish control of the Byeonbang Five [Five Barbarian Clans].

“Their target is probably the Jeomchang Sect.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“The sect closest to the border is limited.” The Kunlun Sect had already left the Three Star Fortress, leaving only the Jeomchang Sect in the Yunnan Dali region. Moreover, Yunnan, adjacent to the Myogang region, was the most geographically efficient location for them.

Above all, if the opponent was the Mansoo Clan, they would undoubtedly lead with their signature Mansoo Grand Formation [a formation utilizing beasts]. Even for them, moving with all sorts of beasts had limits. This was also why the Mansoo Clan couldn’t leave the Namman region and advance into the Central Plains.

“Please stop them, Ewha Palace.”

Yeon Ok-sang frowned at Dan Ak-seon’s confident request. “Is there really a need?” Diverting the Ewha Palace’s forces separately right before the decisive battle with the Demonic Sect seemed inefficient to her. Having sharpened her sword of revenge against the Demonic Sect for years, she wanted to be at the forefront of cutting them down.

However, Dan Ak-seon was firm. “It’s the surest way to thwart their plans.” The Mansoo Clan and Soreum Temple would strike Jeomchang, left vulnerable after its elites departed. Naturally, the Jeomchang experts in the subjugation force would be torn over whether to return.

“By dispersing the subjugation force’s attention, delaying their advance, the Demonic Sect’s elite special forces can target other sects left with a power vacuum. Afterward, they’ll use those locations as strongholds, stalling for time. Later, when the Demonic Master of the Divine Land emerges with the completed Guardian Demon Army, they’ll surround and attack the Central Plains martial arts elites.”

“If we want to lead the war, we must break their momentum from the start. And right now, the only place with that kind of power is the Ewha Palace.” Dan Ak-seon had spoken with her several times and understood the Ewha Palace’s power.

The Ewha Palace, secluded for a long time after the Righteous-Demonic War, focused on restoring its former glory and possessed formidable strength. Not to mention Yeon Ok-sang, one of the Five Great Masters, the Four Divine Maidens attending her were highly skilled, comparable to Hong Jeok-mun.

Moreover, the number of experts in the Ewha Palace was considerable. He judged they could handle two of the Byeonbang Five. In addition, Dan Ak-seon had sent a letter to the Hae Nam Sect requesting support, and heard that the Geumgun and Dongchang, summoned using the military command medallion bestowed by Sa Rye-tae Gam, were on their way.

“Above all, if we get the first step right, we can continue to shake the Demonic Sect through subsequent solo operations.”

Feeling Dan Ak-seon’s firm will, Yeon Ok-sang opened her mouth with a worried look. “Are you really planning to carry out that plan as you’ve envisioned? It involves the greatest risk…” She glanced at Han Seol-hwa, standing behind Dan Ak-seon, implying why she wasn’t stopping him.

Dan Ak-seon smiled and replied, “Because it’s something someone has to do.” Even if the worst-case scenario occurred, it wouldn’t significantly impact the overall situation. “And I don’t want any regrets.”

Yeon Ok-sang sighed softly at Dan Ak-seon’s determined gaze. “I understand. I will do as you ask.”

Dan Ak-seon bowed his head in gratitude and turned around. A moment later, as Dan Ak-seon and Han Seol-hwa left, one of the Four Divine Maidens cautiously spoke. “Palace Lord, why must this palace follow that child’s words? This palace has been fighting the Demonic Sect ahead of anyone else. But that child is acting as if…” Her voice betrayed discomfort.

“Enough.” Yeon Ok-sang cut off her disciple and rebuked her sternly. “The Nine Great Sects are not mindless puppets. Nor are the unorthodox factions who live as they please. Who in the current martial world can gather them all together? Moreover, is there even one point in that child’s words that deviates from justification and principle?”

The woman fell silent and lowered her head.

* * *

Dali, in the Yunnan region, has boasted a stunning landscape with mountains and streams since ancient times. A lake as clear as a mirror reflects the blue mountains with year-round snow, creating a picturesque scene called Changshan Erhai [苍山洱海] or Cheongieunchang [Clear Clouds and Silver Waves].

The center of it was Changshan, a famous mountain in Yunnan, named for maintaining its blue mountain light throughout the year. The prestigious orthodox sect that took root here early on played a significant role in making this place famous: the Jeomchang Sect.

At the foot of Changshan, surrounded by thick fog, a figure looked down at the pavilions from a high peak. The mysterious scenery created by the ever-changing clouds and elegant pavilions was reminiscent of a paradise. However, no emotion arose in his eyes.

How much time had passed? The man, blended into the darkness in a dark black night robe and a pifeng [cape], opened his mouth. “It has begun.”

The fog faded, revealing a huge formation. Although only about two hundred people, the scale of the beasts was enormous. Elephants, only seen in Namman, stood out. Twenty elephants advanced with sharp tusks and majesty. Behind them, wolves, orangutans, bears, and leopards surrounded the Jeomchang Sect, moving in an orderly manner like an army.

“We must do our part.” The man was the last Jeonin [successor] of the Leftist Esoteric Sect, which once flourished in Tianzhu [ancient India] but was now declining. He was also the leader of the Tianzhu Soreum Temple and the Jongju [patriarch] of the Miljong [Esoteric Buddhism]. As soon as he finished speaking, he soared away.

Monks in similar attire appeared behind him, running as if flying. There were nearly three hundred.

* * *

“Calm your minds.” An old man with a beard like the incarnation of Ikdeok [a benevolent figure] stared at the main gate. He was Sa Gong-myeong, an elder of the Jeomchang Sect.

He was a master of the sword who had achieved great success in Nakil Sword [Fallen Leaves Sword], one of the Jeolhak [unique martial arts] that symbolizes Jeomchang, and was said to be one of the top five in the world with his swordsmanship. Even in the face of the murderous intent rushing in from the darkness, he didn’t waver. Rather, a deep fighting spirit flickered as he gripped the Hyeopdo [a type of sword] with a long dosin [sword hilt]. The Ae-byeong [sword’s energy], which had given him the title of Changyeom Dogak [Crazy Flame Sword], was already filled with a deep sword.

As old as he was, he had experienced the Righteous-Demonic War. So he was used to the tension before the decisive battle.

The young disciples’ situation was different. They were intimidated by the sharp roars of the beasts. Sa Gong-myeong smiled quietly, even though he glanced at their stiff appearance. He believed in his disciples.

Jeomchang didn’t raise late-stage numbers roughly. Although young and inexperienced, they were formal disciples who had strictly earned the name of Jeomchang. They might be stiff now, but when the fight began, the soul of Jeomchang, engraved on their minds and bodies through tempering, would shine.

Sa Gong-myeong spoke again to encourage them. “Believe in the sweat you’ve shed, and the efforts you’ve put in. And be proud. This faction’s reputation wasn’t earned overnight.”

Several disciples grabbed their swords again at his sincere voice, but their expressions didn’t brighten easily. Neither the Jangmunin [sect leader], Jeong Nak-yeong-eum, nor most of the second-generation disciples were present. Jeong Nak-yeong-eum led the elites to participate in the Demonic Sect subjugation.

Although Sa Gong-myeong, one of the best in the martial arts world, was with them, they couldn’t be sure how well they, only third-generation disciples at best, could fulfill their roles.

Then, one person spoke. “There is nothing to worry about. They will not leave this place alive today.”

He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sa Gong-myeong. The young disciples cast distrustful eyes at his relaxed words. He had a unique history.

Once a martial artist, he had led an information organization in the middle of the Jeongsa [orthodox sects]. Now he was an official performing the Emperor’s orders. Before that, he had started a merchant group based on Muwi [forbidden activities], and now he was the Danju [leader] of the Sinma Merchant Group, the best in the Jungwon [Central Plains].

Now, he was here as Heumchagyeongryeokjinnyeong [Imperial Secret Inspector], acting on behalf of the Emperor after a rapid promotion. Nung So-mil smiled bitterly at the Jeomchang Sect disciples’ disbelief.

‘Well.’ Even if I changed my position, it would have been the same.

The moment the modifier Heumcha [Imperial Secret] is attached to the official title, it is no longer a general official. The Emperor directly appoints him to handle specific important events. Although his rank remained at Sapum [rank 4], he now possessed the authority of a Heumcha Daesin [Imperial Envoy] of more than Sampum [rank 3].

‘I petitioned to decline the promotion……’ Nung So-mil sighed inwardly. But what could he do? Once you are in office, the Emperor’s orders are absolute. Moreover, Dan Ak-seon’s request, more difficult to refuse than the Emperor’s order, made this trip to Dali unavoidable.

“They are coming!” Sa Gong-myeong, who had been silently guarding his position, shouted with his inner strength. Following Sa Gong-myeong’s gaze, Nung So-mil confirmed a large number of figures rapidly approaching along the ridge from the opposite side of the main gate.